Third grizzly bear destroyed this year in the Elk Valley and hikers bluff charged by a grizzly bear and cubs on Mt Baldy trail.

We, the people, contributed to the death of this bear by approaching it or feeding it, by intent or neglect with garbage left outdoors and apples on the tree or windfall fruit rotting on the ground! Repeated exposure to people lead to the grizzly bear posing a threat to human safety and ultimately its death.

Why don’t we just move bears out of town so they can live in the forest? The Conservation Officer Service used to regularly trap and relocate bears. Then, in the late 1980’s this practice was questioned. As a result, relocated bears were marked with an ear tag when they were released. Some were radio collared and tracked. Two things became apparent:

-The survival rate of relocated bears was very low. The bears often fail to adapt to their new habitat and may starve to death or be killed by animals that already occupy the area.

-Most relocated bears were finding their way back into their original home territory or become “problem” animals in other communities.

Relocating bears is not a solution. Keeping garbage stored indoors until collection day, cleaning up fruit trees and securing wildlife attractants is the best way to keep people safe, prevent property damage, and avoid the unnecessary killing of bears that come into conflict with people.

Recent Wildlife sightings:

Fernie

Two hikers were bluff charged by a grizzly bear and cubs on Mt Baldy trail. Bear sightings reported in James White Park and at the top of Cemetery Bypass trail, Montane trails and Stove trail.

Elkford

A second grizzly bear has been reported throughout Elkford.

For more information on preventing human/wildlife conflict go to www.wildsafwbc.com